Posts: 286
3/30/13 12:58 A

Hallo I am Maria
I am in the pre op phase for my RNY gastric bypass on 15/05/13 DV.
I am looking forward to read some blogs and posts and learn a lot from team members here. I am 0.5kg away from having lost all of the 10% body weight that my surgeon requires.
Let's do it!

Edited by: LOVINGAFRICA at: 3/30/2013 (00:59)

current weight: 221.0

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Posts: 5
2/17/13 3:39 A

Hi, I'm Casey and I underwent the Gastric Sleeve on 12/28/12. I was so excited for this new chapter in my life. But honestly, I feel lost now - because although my surgery was what my surgeon called " a wonderful text book surgery" I have experienced nothing but problems since. I have not been able to hold anything down in my stomach that is not soup. And it takes forever for me to eat 1/2 a cup. Since my surgery, I have thrown up everything I have eaten. I was in the hospital for most of January. NOTHING is wrong with my sleeve. I have undergone endoscopy and my surgeon is the Director of a well known Metabolic Center in Boston. He says that my stomach and esophagus need time to heal after the constant vomiting I have undergone. I can't tolerate any of the protein drinks (I've tried them all). I wish that in the support groups that I attended prior to surgery, they had had people who had spoken about complications and resolutions that they have gone through so that I could have had a realistic expectation of what *might* happen. I am now have been on a PIC line for nutrition at night while the swelling in my stomach and esophagus heals. My surgeon has told me that it WILL get better, but honestly - I am feeling claustrophobic in my own body. I would love to hear from others who have experienced this AND GOTTEN better. Please don't share any horror stories with me because I'm freaked out as it is. I just want to hear from people who have gone through a similar experience and have gotten through it. Thank you! :) Also, although he has told me my sleeve is narrow. I do not have a stricture of any sort. I hate this feeling as though something is stuck behind my throat that makes me want to gag... I WISH I could push back the clock and not have gone thru this surgery. :/
I researched this for two years before going through it. I thought I was ready - I WAS ready for the presurgery part. I had NO idea how hard it would be on the post-side. I didn't realize how much of a crutch food had been to me. It was my "comfort" and it has been such a shocker emotionally not having anything to "turn" to in its place. Habitually every morning I would get a D&D Skim latte with a thick foam on the way to work... Those habitual food things that right now I cannot do. It has made a void. The fact that I am on a PIC line for nutrition while my stomach heals has kind of made it difficult for me to go out in a social setting after work. I agree with you that it has to be about *more* than trying to draw people in to undergo bariatric surgery - it has to be *informative* all the way around. I know they make you go thru a psychiatric screening before determining if you are suitable for the procedure - and I passed. I thought I was ready. But if I had known what I know now - if they had had different experiences present themselves at the support groups it would have helped me to get the whole 360 picture. Instead of this kind of "pie in the sky" (no pun intended) type of - this gastric sleeve procedure will have me in the hospital for 2 days and then I will go right into post surgery mode. That was not the case. This surgery is NOT reversible. My options now are as follows (as presented to me by my surgeon). 1) Allow more time for my stomach and esophagus to heal and receive my nutrition intravenously for the next few weeks via PIC line. 2) Undergo a stent procedure - keeping in mind that sometimes the metal stents move and you have to have surgery to get them 3) Undergo the third type of bariatric surgery - the big one. I have NO desire to undergo ANYMORE surgery. So I have decided to go with the first option - a longer time to heal. I just hope that I haven't traded my "quality of life" in for a "smaller stomach." - I don't say any of this to scare anyone away who hasn't gone through the surgery. I say it because its important BEFORE you undergo surgery to hear different sides so you can make an "informed" decision.

Posts: 2,052
2/2/13 8:36 P

Welcome Kellybel!!! Hope to see lots of you around here!

current weight: 166.0

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Posts: 4
1/31/13 12:19 A

1. Where are you from?
Hello, I am Kellybel, 47 yr old born & raised Texan living in Katy and loving it. Spent 6 yrs overseas with hubby's job in Paris and Qatar. I am sooooo HaPPy to be back in home!!
2. Where are you at in your process (researching, pre-op, post-op & how far out)?
I had my surgery 20 yrs ago, after my second/last child. The baby weight helped me qualify for insurance coverage.
3. What type of surgery have you had/contemplating getting?
I had my stomach stapled, no fancy title....Doc just stapled off a small pouch at the top of my stomach with a ring at the base of the pouch, leaving my natural stomach to digest food normally. It was considered major surgery back then!
4. If post-op, how much have you lost? In what time frame?
The day of surgery, I weighed 225 lbs and in the first year I lost over 100 lbs. At 5'8", that was very thin for me so I happily evened out and maintained 135-140 for the next 15 years. Just in the last 4-5 years, I've slowly gained 20 lbs that I continue to battle. Poor food choices and too much alcohol.

Once we moved home, I was diagnosed with very early breast cancer. I was expecting it since every women in my family had it so I stayed very current with testing. I chose very extreme surgery on March 4th, 2011 so this March will be 2 years, cancer-free. I received 4 cycles of chemo just for good measure. I got very sick, very weak, hospitalized, lost all my hair plus 30 lbs. Well, over the last year and 1/2, I've recovered that weight and an extra 20 lbs. I am telling this story because I still have NO DESIRE to work out! Every evening as I fall asleep, tomorrow is going to be the day I start walking......and every afternoon I am still on the computer and watching TV. I do work in the garden several times a week. Before cancer I was so active.....we use to cycle all over Texas, miles and miles....scuba dive, kayak......now I just feel NO motivation to exercise.

I plan on joining the Breast Cancer message board and sharing my story there. Maybe 2 years is a normal amount of time to recover, I am not sure. Anyway, I've joined SparkPeople to start tracking my food, fitness and meet folks to share the journey! Hopefully finding that motivation to eat right (more then a few days/weeks), get off the couch and celebrate my cancer free life!!

current weight: 159.0

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Posts: 78
1/20/13 12:06 A

Hi, all!

My name is Christine. As of next month, I will be a LapBander for 3 years. Recently, I've developed some complications, requiring that the fluid be taken out of my band for a period of time while I heal. It's a challenge not having restriction, so I'm being extra careful about what and how much I eat, but I have to tell you, it's a blessing to be able to eat and drink without pain for the first time in weeks!

I live in Central Florida, married, no children. I look forward to being part of this team!

Regards,
Christine

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SparkPoints: (48,548)
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Posts: 2,013
1/19/13 5:21 A

Hi Janice I am glad you are doing good. Have you not been walking, etc until now?

I have an indoor cycle and I was on that thing 3 days after I got home from the hospital. I started with a soft slow pedaling and did that for a few days and then I upped it a little and then up more-now I get 20 minutes on the thing. I wear my fitbit when hubby and I get to go out walking. The weather has been so crappy lately that we have been limited with the walking-except to our building's Treadmills (when they are not in use-only 2 of them)

How are your fluids and protein doing?

Carol

current weight: 191.2

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Posts: 301
1/18/13 1:58 A

Hi my name is Janice, some of you may know me from gastric sparklers.
I am 56 married, I live in Missouri, I had gastric bypass RNY December 31st 2012.
Since I started on October 1st 2012 up to today I have lost 44 lbs.
Just had my first post op appt with my surgeon so now I gotta start exercising. Oh boy!!!

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Posts: 18
1/15/13 11:36 P

OH ..... and my name is Barbara....I'm 37 years young Very happily married to my best friend and soul mate (who is also using this site). I'm a mother to 5 wonderful children ranging in age from 19 to 6....3 girls and 2 boys. I am currently in school studying to be a personal trainer / nutrionist. I LOVE helping and motivating my friends and family lead a healthier life !!!

current weight: 167.0

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Posts: 18
1/15/13 11:32 P

1. Where are you from?
Originally I'm from Illinois, in August 2012 my husband got transferred to Dallas, TX....I joined him in September....then in December he took another job within the company and we now live in Louisiana :)

2. Where are you at in your process (researching, pre-op, post-op & how far out)?
I am a post-op and I'm 20 months out..doing AWESOME!!

3. What type of surgery have you had/contemplating getting?
I had a laproscopic RN-Y in May of 2010

4. If post-op, how much have you lost? In what time frame?
I have lost over 160lbs in the 20 months since surgery and I FEEL GREAT!!!!

current weight: 167.0

321 278.25 235.5 192.75

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SparkPoints: (10,175)
Fitness Minutes: (9,955)
Posts: 315
1/7/13 1:04 P

Welcome Karen!! Good luck on your ultrasound - I hope that everything is where it needs to be. I look forward to seeing you on the boards

current weight: 237.0

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Fitness Minutes: (5,073)
Posts: 18
1/7/13 12:17 P

Where are you from?
Born in Georgia, raised in Philly, five years in Phoenix and now I've been in San Diego for over a decade and don't plan on leaving this gorgeous city!

2. Where are you at in your process (researching, pre-op, post-op & how far out)?
Pre-op. I still do not have a surgery date as my starting weight was 500.5 pounds so I will likely have many months on the liver shrinking diet. I'm down 72 pounds since Oct 1, 2012.

3. What type of surgery have you had/contemplating getting?
RNY

Hi there. I'm a fatty from way back. I was 100 pounds in the first grade and managed to hit 300 pounds just prior to my 16th birthday. Since then I have lost and gained the same 100-150 pounds four or five times along the way. I'm done messing around.

My first appointment with my bariatric surgeon was on September 25 and I weighed in at 500.5 lbs. I started my liver-shrinking diet on October 1st. After the second month I was told by my surgeon to start weaning myself off of food and onto a liquid-only diet... protein shakes, broth, crystal light, water, etc. I have been on the liquid only diet now for over a week. It's not easy, but it is getting easier. I'm working out every other day and find that the day after I work out that I'm more hungry. I supplement those days with extra broth to keep my tummy full.

On Wednesday I get my second liver ultrasound and hopefully I'll be able to get the ok for surgery. I'm approved via Insurance but just need the medical sign-off. If my liver's still too big, I'll likely have to wait another 4-6 week for another ultra-sound.

I know that having a cautious surgeon is to my benefit... but I'm just so anxious to get the surgery part over with. Patience is a virtue. Sigh.

-Karen

SparkPoints: (10,175)
Fitness Minutes: (9,955)
Posts: 315
1/5/13 8:24 P

Hi Allison - welcome to the team! I look forward to seeing you on the boards

current weight: 237.0

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Posts: 172
1/5/13 4:38 P

Hi I'm Allison

Where are you from?
I was born in Texas, but live in St. Louis now with my hubby and our 2 girls

2. Where are you at in your process (researching, pre-op, post-op & how far out)?
Pre-op.... hoping to have surgery in March

3. What type of surgery have you had/contemplating getting?
Sleeve gastrectomy

I am very motivated to make a big change.... I have pretty much always been heavy/overweight since I hit puberty, and while I have previously been pretty active, once I had kids I have just not been able to get back to that level of activity or lose the weight that I know that I need to lose.... and I finally have just had enough of no results! I really don't plan on telling anyone about the surgery beyond a few close friends, so I am hoping that being active here on sparkpeople will give me a source of support from people who understand what I am going through!

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SparkPoints: (10,175)
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Posts: 315
1/3/13 8:35 P

Kim! Glad to hear you have your date - look forward to seeing you on the boards

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Posts: 18
1/3/13 5:06 P

Hi,
I am a returnee to Spark People. I started the process for WLS last January. After a few set backs, I finally have a surgery date! I have RNY surgery on January 28th. It seemed to take forever to get to this point, now it feels like it's coming up fast! What better timing to start with the new year.

Kim

SparkPoints: (10,175)
Fitness Minutes: (9,955)
Posts: 315
1/3/13 8:55 A

to the team!! I think that a lot of us still have that fear too. The surgery is a tool for us to use - we just need to follow the rules. One thing that my surgeon told me before I left the hospital (I had RNY 4/26/12) is that he did surgery on my stomach and not my brain. He was so right - after the initial healing I had/have to really listen to my body not my head. I changed my eating habits and listen to how bad I feel when I eat, what I now call "crap".

I'm losing slower than they wanted, but I'm down 110 so far - working to get the rest off, but I am so very happy and more energetic now than I was a few short months ago.

current weight: 237.0

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Posts: 8
1/2/13 9:39 P

Hi, After loosing and re-gaining 100 lbs 3 times I have decided to try adding a new tool to my arsenal. I’m going with VGS and am in the beginning stages of the process. I am trying to get all the information I can to be prepared. I am very excited and my husband is supportive but I don’t really feel comfortable discussing it with the rest of the family. I hate to admit it but I think that I am still afraid I will gain the weight back and that would really be humiliating after having major surgery. I am very hopeful and an optimistic person but felt like I could be honest here. I am glad to find this team.

Pounds lost: 43.0

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SparkPoints: (10,175)
Fitness Minutes: (9,955)
Posts: 315
1/1/13 7:26 P

Hi Kim - welcome and its nice yo meet you.

current weight: 237.0

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Posts: 67
1/1/13 5:50 P

Hi all,

37F/Boston looking to get sleeved ASAP, Need and want to lose at least 100lbs!! So ready for this change..............................

-Kim

SparkPoints: (48,548)
Fitness Minutes: (28,648)
Posts: 2,013
1/1/13 6:30 A

Well, Happy New Year to everyone. I hope this will be the best year for everyone!!!!!

I am moving right along since having my Gastric Bypass -Lap plus Gall bladder removal on 12/17/12. I am still on Full liquids and it finally stopped hurting getting in and out of bed. I still can't lay on my side. Not on any pain meds-and I am not on any diabetic meds-that stopped after surgery.

I am off work until the end of January and am bored to death right now. I have a very physical job at the hospital so they want to make sure. Can't work without being able to pull patients up in their beds when necessary.

Jan 3rd is my first post-op visit with my surgeon and dietician-where they will advance my diet to Puree and take my blood to check for vitamin deficiency. I have been taking them daily-so should have no problem there.

That is my update.

Carol

current weight: 191.2

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Posts: 45
12/30/12 2:06 A

Thanks! I had mine done by Dr. Clayton Frenzel at Forest Park Medical center in Dallas. I was in for 4 days. Beautiful hospital! Do/did u have any plans for a body lift? curious to hear perspective

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SparkPoints: (10,175)
Fitness Minutes: (9,955)
Posts: 315
12/29/12 9:33 P

I don't....maybe the lower belly if it physically bothers me (they say that is the only one covered by insurance) - I heard it takes about 18 months for your skin to catch il....and so my plan is to focus on my diet and exercise and see where I end up..... mentally, anyway.

current weight: 237.0

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Posts: 45
12/29/12 9:03 P

Thanks! I had mine done by Dr. Clayton Frenzel at Forest Park Medical center in Dallas. I was in for 4 days. Beautiful hospital! Do/did u have any plans for a body lift? curious to hear perspective

Pounds lost: 42.8

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SparkPoints: (10,175)
Fitness Minutes: (9,955)
Posts: 315
12/27/12 3:19 P

to the team!

current weight: 237.0

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Posts: 45
12/27/12 2:22 P

Soli, congrats on your surgery. I had my sleeve surgery 2 years ago and still doing great.I also live in Arlington , x. I had my surgery at Methodist Mansfield Hospital. Hope to hear more as you continue on your journey.
Carmen

Posts: 45
12/26/12 5:52 P

My name is Soli. I am new to Spark and love it already. I'm married with 2 kids. I go to school by day and dream of losing enough weight to feel comfortable enough to take a yoga class.


1. Where are you from?
Military brat-turned wife so really, I'm from all over. Anchorage, AK is my home but we are currently living in Arlington, TX.

2. Where are you at in your process (researching, pre-op, post-op & how far out)?
Post-op 8 days

3. What type of surgery have you had/contemplating getting?
Sleeve gastrectomy-12/19/2012

4. If post-op, how much have you lost? In what time frame?
no stats yet. too soon to weight myself.

Pounds lost: 42.8

0 26.75 53.5 80.25

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SparkPoints: (48,548)
Fitness Minutes: (28,648)
Posts: 2,013
11/16/12 5:03 P

Welcome to the Team, Darla and glad to see that you have been doing well since your surgery!

I will be having my Gastric Bypass around the end of December. Alot of info and support on these sites.

Carol

current weight: 191.2

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Posts: 156
11/16/12 4:49 P

Hello, I'm Darla and new to this team. I've been a member of SparkPeople even before my weight loss surgery. It was a life saver after my surgery!!!

1. Where are you from?
Oklahoma, but only a few minutes from Texas

2. Where are you at in your process (researching, pre-op, post-op & how far out)?
Post-op

3. What type of surgery have you had/contemplating getting?
Lap Band - May 2011

4. If post-op, how much have you lost? In what time frame?
I've lost 50 to 55 pounds which was my goal. I've been maintaining for about a year, but having to work harder at it. I was having problems with reflux and removed some saline, so it's harder that it was in the past.

SparkPoints: (48,548)
Fitness Minutes: (28,648)
Posts: 2,013
10/29/12 8:40 P

Welcome to the forum-you will find lots of info here as well as what your Team gives you.

current weight: 191.2

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SparkPoints: (131)
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Posts: 11
10/29/12 1:38 P

1. Where are you from?
I live in central Illinois, near Peoria

2. Where are you at in your process (researching, pre-op, post-op & how far out)?
My insurance just approved me for a 6 month bariatric program which will be followed by surgery.

3. What type of surgery have you had/contemplating getting?
I have not chosen a surgery yet, but have considered Lap Band in the past. I know people who have had each of the procedures done and I have seen the ups and downs of them all. I think right now, I am leaning toward the sleeve, but that will surely change before I decide for sure.

4. If post-op, how much have you lost? In what time frame?
I am just getting started in my 6 months so I will just tell you that my heaviest weight was 321 and my goal is 170. I am 5'9" tall and my body has always been pretty proportionate.

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SparkPoints: (48,548)
Fitness Minutes: (28,648)
Posts: 2,013
10/23/12 4:45 A

No, not yet they will at the support meeting Nov 5th they are supposed to be giving us more paperwork.
Each place does it a little differant.

Carol

current weight: 191.2

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SparkPoints: (40,165)
Fitness Minutes: (33,033)
Posts: 2,718
10/23/12 2:05 A

Didn't they give you a copy of the liver shrinking diet?? They should've told you what they expect you to do before surgery. Additionally you should know what you need to have at home before you have the surgery, broth, sugar free jello, protein drinks etc.... my surgery is set for December 19th, and I have to meet with the nutritionist 1 more time and then do the pre op at the hospital. they just gave us a whole list the vitamins and supplements you need to take the rest of our lives, because people can become severely un-nourished after surgery. if you have any questions let me know..... Cynthia

current weight: 209.0

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SparkPoints: (48,548)
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Posts: 2,013
10/18/12 7:02 P

Curtis I hope that all is well with you.

I was just at the Pysch doctor's today for clearance and he said it looked good. I have to see the Pulmonary doctor on Nov 20th to see if I will need the sleep study-I am told that not everybody does need it. The end of Nov I need to go back to my PCP to get my script for bloodwork to check my D3 and A1c and then in early Dec I go to my Dietiican and PA once again.
Moving right along.

Carol

current weight: 191.2

283 247.25 211.5 175.75

140

SparkPoints: (10,239)
Fitness Minutes: (17,526)
Posts: 192
10/7/12 10:09 P

Welcome to the team Casey. Glad you joined us. Yes, prior to WLS, it seems the information is so overwhelming. Just take it one step at a time. What worked for me was as I had questions, I would write them down. Then at my next visit, I would ask. I was also blessed with a great team. There was folks at the surgeons office, a staff at the hospital who only worked with WLS patients. Then there was a support group. Hopefully, you can find a support group in your local area. The nurses and dietitians at the support group were really wonderful and helpful.

I don't have any special pre-op diets as I actually gained weight before my RNY. Maybe others can chime in here. Please keep us posted as I'm sure there are members of the team that want to help.

curtis

SparkPoints: (64)
Fitness Minutes: (60)
Posts: 5
10/7/12 7:16 P

Hi,
I'm Casey and I'm new and still trying to figure all this out... I am scheduled for surgery for December 26, 2012 to get the gastric sleeve. I'm both excited and nervous at the same time. Looking through ALL the information i've been given by my surgeon's office - trying to make sense of it. I have to lose 10-20 lbs before surgery. Anyone have any special diets they did to do this? I'm really glad this group exists. I need all the support and help I can get.

;)

Casey

SparkPoints: (10,239)
Fitness Minutes: (17,526)
Posts: 192
9/28/12 1:48 P

Hi Marg and welcome to the team. I'm a RNY. Another member of the team, Allan, is very supporting of lap bands and maybe he will chime in with specific help. Haven't heard from him in awhile, so not sure.

I love how you have taken control and you are deciding that you are responsible. Like you, i consider WLS a tool, not the silver bullet. I was so encouraged when I read your post. Please keep us posted on your journey.

curtis

Posts: 2,052
9/28/12 1:35 P

Hi everyone! I'm Margaret.... aka: Marg

1. Where are you from? Eastern Shore of Maryland... I'm a country girl!

2. Where are you at in your process (researching, pre-op, post-op & how far out)? I am 17 months post-op

3. What type of surgery have you had/contemplating getting? I had Lapband surgery in May 2011. I have a 11cc Realize band and am currently at 9.5 and lovin it!

4. If post-op, how much have you lost? In what time frame? 40 lbs Pre-op , 25 lbs Post-op, and 20 lbs left to get to goal.

I joined this team in search of a WLS team that is serious about losing the weight, follows their doctor's guidelines and holds each other accountable. I made a very serious commitment to myself when I underwent surgery and didn't have a support group close by. So here I am on Spark finding wonderful like-minded individuals who generously share their information and life experiences. I would like to give back to others who are making this change in their life.

I realized well into this journey that it is ME that has to make the right decisions to eat healthy and exercise to lose the weight. My band is just a tool to help me get there. One of many. I focus on Protein, healthy Fat and healthy Carbs... in that order. No more visits to the fast food joints or all-you-can-eat buffets! Those places made me fat. NO! I LET those places make me fat! But not anymore.

Look forward to making new friends on this team!

current weight: 166.0

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SparkPoints: (10,239)
Fitness Minutes: (17,526)
Posts: 192
8/31/12 10:19 A

Hi Katie. Welcome and good luck with your WLS journey of success. From my experience, your life WILL change after WLS. You will experience a freedom, that for now, is difficult to understand. I sure didn't before WLS. For example, the other other evening, my son brought home a late night snack from McDonalds. (He's a runner and eats lots of anything.) Anyway, he offered me some of his fries. I said 'how many?' and he responded with 'as many as you like.' Before WLS, I would have eaten all of them and enjoyed every bite. Well, I took 'one' and enjoyed every bite, especially the salt. :) It's not that I have more control, it's that I have freedom to choose. And the freedom to choose is a great blessing. Again, welcome, as we look forward to your posts and we all help one another on our journeys.

curtis

Posts: 131
8/31/12 12:38 A

Hi, I'm Katie and I'm signed up to attend my first nutrition session with my bariatric team next Wednesday. Not only will it be my first step in my 6-month process, but it will also be the day after my 36th birthday - what a great way to start off another year! A chance to start anew :c)

I've been overweight my entire life, but very active. I've been on every diet you can name, starting with Weight Watchers in 2nd grade! I'm hoping the surgery will jumpstart the actual weight loss process so I can concentrate on the future rather than the past.

I've been on SparkPeople a while before, but I dropped off due to various reasons - but I'm back with a vengeance!

current weight: 246.0

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SparkPoints: (48,548)
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Posts: 2,013
8/29/12 4:31 P

Sorry to hear what you went through, Becky. With your husband doing alot better now you can focus on yourself. This is now your journey. When you go to the Seminar-ask questions. that is what they are there for as well.

Welcome to the forum!! I have some books that I put on the forum earlier that are esstentials for reading to help one on their journey.

Food and Exercise Tracking are a must along with exercise, exercise, exercise.

Alot of good info on these forums as well as Support and Motivation. You can do it!!!

current weight: 191.2

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Posts: 80
8/29/12 12:39 P

Hi! I'm Becky! About 5 years ago, I was going through the process to get a lapband, but, unfortunately, my hubby suffered a thoracic aortic rupture. I continued prepping for the surgery while he underwent 7 months of rehab, hoping that they would do the surgery before he was to come home. They gave me a date... 2 days after I brought him home! He still was unsteady on his feet, and trying to deal with having a paralyzed arm, and on oxygen for the rest of his life. There was no way I could care for him, and myself, at that time.
Now, he's doing much better, but I've done worse. I had lost 85 pounds getting ready for the lapband (it helped that I had to walk a half-mile to get to his room from the parking lot, and help him through physical therapy!) and I've gained that back, plus another 50 pounds!
Friday, I saw my primary doctor for something trivial, and she shocked me! She offered me a referral for bariatric surgery! She's been so negative about it, I'm totally floored!
I have not been wasting time, no way! I have been calling all the bariatric surgeons here in Syracuse, NY, and now have an appt for one of the seminars. Tuesday!
Cross your fingers for me!

SparkPoints: (48,548)
Fitness Minutes: (28,648)
Posts: 2,013
8/11/12 6:11 P

Do you track your food and exercises in a journal and on Sparkpeople?
I know they do want to see visual proof that you are tracking. Besides that will let you know where your problems are.

Have you picked up any books on it and what you will be going through?

I highly recommend "The Expert's Guide to Weightloss Surgery" by Dr. Garth Davis, Bariatric Surgeon. He is the Medical Director of the Davis Clinic at the Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas. Both he and his father-Dr. Robert Davis, also a Bariatric Surgeon there at the Davis Clinic. (also the star of TV's TLC's Big Medicine. The Davis Clinic also has a website.

A definite read.
Also there is: "The Weightloss Surgery Workbook-deciding on Bariatric Surgery, preparing for the procedure and changing habits for Post Surgery success" by Doreen Samelson.

- "The Complete Idiot's Mini Guide to What You Must know About Bariatric Surgery" by Margaret Furtado, MS, RD, LDN, RYT.
-"Eat It Up!" by Connie Stapleton, Ph.D
-"Practical Advice for Lifetime Maintenance After Bariatric Surgery" by Pamela Harrelson
-"Okay, I've Gone Through Weighloss Surgery, Now What do I Do?" by Joanne M. Moff, PA-C.

Carol


Edited by: CAROL6X at: 8/11/2012 (20:19)

current weight: 191.2

283 247.25 211.5 175.75

140

SparkPoints: (5,023)
Fitness Minutes: (3,841)
Posts: 131
8/11/12 5:38 P

Hello everyone I am new to the team and I have a long way to go . I am into my second week of my 6month diet plan. If things go well I will be having my surgery sometime in Feburary Which it seems like it is so far away.

I am really trying to take one day at a time . I workout 5 days a week and try to count my calories and it seems like I am just gaining weight .

Anyway I am happy to be apart of this team.

SparkPoints: (10,239)
Fitness Minutes: (17,526)
Posts: 192
7/26/12 10:22 P

Welcome CAROL6X; glad to have you join us. Yes, the pre-op checklist is long with lots to do. :) Hang in there and do just one thing at a time. You will get there.

curtis

SparkPoints: (48,548)
Fitness Minutes: (28,648)
Posts: 2,013
7/26/12 9:10 P

Greetings all;

I have been on sparkpeople for a while and just now found this forum.

I am the very beginning of the process and headed for the Gastric bypass as my insurance will only cover that for me. BMI=50.1 And I am diabetic.

I am on the losing so much weight part and getting things done on this massive check off list-meanwhile I have been reading all I can get on it.

I found The Weightloss Surgery Workbook by Doreen Samelson plus a few other books and online sites. Getting there. Working on my Tracking Consistency.

Visit my last blog on my Spark Page with the tracking goal set up going.

I am looking forward to learning from others on their journey that it may help me on my continuing journey.

current weight: 191.2

283 247.25 211.5 175.75

140

SparkPoints: (10,239)
Fitness Minutes: (17,526)
Posts: 192
7/13/12 10:11 A

Welcome to our new members, JAE_DD and ZIONSDAUGHTER77. Happy you have joined us and we look forward to your posts. Although our journeys are different, they are remarkably the same. All of us have sorrow, unhappiness, joy, and pleasure in our lives. I pray you will find this a place to share your journey and receive support from others.

Weight loss surgery is a remarkable journey and we should all enjoy it. However, life is not always fair, or fun, or pleasant. And there are always others who 'know more than us'. It's okay, without sorrow we would never know happiness. And without others challenging us, we would never succeed. One thing I am sure of, is that we all need one another and no one needs to go through their journey alone! Every day I express my gratitude for all of you and how much you are so willing to help me and others. May all of you be blessed in your efforts.

curtis

SparkPoints: (2,894)
Fitness Minutes: (1,252)
Posts: 10
7/9/12 10:23 P

I have been on Spark Peope for a year but joined this group today. I have started the pre-op process for the VSG. I origionally started the process and 1 month out from my surgery date I lost my job and my health insurance. After several major paperwork errors it took almost 5 months to get on my husband's insurance. Then we found out I was pregnant. We were thrilled. After 7 months I gave birth to our son Joey who was still born. I went into a deep depression, from which it took many month to recover.

Recently I started back working out to try and lose the baby weight and the depression eating weight. I have re enrolled in the bariatric program and am ready to get my life back on track.

My husband and close friends have been very supportive of me. However both our famlies have been very negative.

I am in search of support, information and friendship with people who understand the place where I am now and the journey that I am on.

I am sorry for the long introduction but I am excited about this new phase in my life and really am excited to be on this board.

current weight: 288.0

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Posts: 5
7/9/12 8:09 P

HI everyone I am jae and had gastric sleeve on June 28th. So far everything has gone great and I have lost some weight. I think I made a great decision and look forward to losing this weight and feeling better.

Posts: 2,959
7/8/12 8:32 P

Lynda

You are with a caring group of people here we are glad you joined us.
If you need encouragement please just ask we have plenty to share.

current weight: 261.5

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SparkPoints: (10,239)
Fitness Minutes: (17,526)
Posts: 192
7/8/12 10:15 A

Welcome Lynda; Glad to have you with us. Sounds as if your journey has been a difficult one. We are so sorry for that. Alan, a very strong supporter of lap band, and a good member of this team may be able to assist you with your lap band questions. In any case, you are correct that we are here to support you and we welcome any support you can give us. I know I always think my journey is the hardest, but when I read others challenges, I am humbled. Do your best to turn those stumbling stones into building blocks.

curtis

SparkPoints: (4,423)
Fitness Minutes: (1,258)
Posts: 30
7/7/12 3:26 A

Hi all,

I'm Lynda. I had the lap band in 2008. I had all kinds of difficulties, not with the band, but other illnesses and injuries and ended up losing my job and insurance in 2010. I was not able to see a doctor until this past Monday 7/2/12. So no fill since 2010 and have regained all my weight. I am scheduled for endoscopy on 7/11/12 to make sure everything is okay. But I did receive a fill and am losing weight again. I have been struggling a long time. H opefully things will continue going well for me otherwise I may need a revision. Part of getting back on track is finding support so here I am to give support and receive support.

SparkPoints: (10,239)
Fitness Minutes: (17,526)
Posts: 192
6/26/12 10:49 P

Welcome to the team JAE_DD. Glad to have you with us.

I can really understand being nervous. However, in my case, about 3 weeks from surgery, I was blessed with a calm and peaceful feeling that I was doing the right thing. Most of my family members where not against surgery but they clearly weren't for it. I think they were more nervous than me. And I have 'NEVER' told anyone at work. Each are different in this regard.

I know one of the things that helped me was learning and studying about WLS. I also made it a point not to debate or argue with other family members. I would just clearly state what I was doing and why. But most important, it was God's blessings that really helped me.

Another thought. When I was nervous, I would concentrate on blessings. And even today, I am really blessed because of WLS (oh, and a host of other reasons as well).

curtis

Posts: 5
6/26/12 12:08 P

Hi everyone! I am scheduled to have my gastric sleeve June 28th and I am sooooo nervous. So far on the pre op diet I have lost 17 pds and looking forward to losing more! Feel free to message or stop by my profile I love to make new friends.

Posts: 1,020
6/24/12 1:57 P

Thanks, Kathy and Curtis!

One half a pod down, the other half today! I can't believe that I've actually found spaces for all these THINGS! It's sure fun trying to downsize!

I stay out of the cats way! Bella rules the roost from the highest place in the apt., the shelf above the cabinet over the frig. SHE is queen of the house. I am K.C.'s pillow, but I wish the old fifteen-year old could pull in his claws. And L'il Bit walks about to give everyone comic relief! Couldn't live w/o them!

Back to work!

current weight: 226.6

264 236.5 209 181.5

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SparkPoints: (10,175)
Fitness Minutes: (9,955)
Posts: 315
6/24/12 12:05 P

Welcome Jan and Trish - glad to have you both here with us

current weight: 237.0

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